8 Best Japanese Vinegar Drinks for Health & Beauty

Japanese drinking vinegar has been a staple of Japanese wellness traditions for centuries. Just 1–2 tablespoons before meals may support digestion, thanks to natural acetic acid and enzymes, while also helping to regulate post-meal blood sugar. 

Fruit-infused and black vinegars are packed with antioxidants that promote skin radiance and overall vitality. Incorporating drinking vinegar into a balanced diet and exercise routine may even provide modest support for weight management.

Tips on How and When to Drink Each Type of Japanese Vinegar

Different types of Japanese vinegar drinks offer unique benefits: 

• Fruit-infused vinegars are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and gently aiding digestion. They are best enjoyed in the morning or as an energizing afternoon pick-me-up. 
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) promotes gut health, aids digestion, and helps balance blood sugar, making it ideal to consume before meals. 
• Black vinegar (kurozu), with its rich amino acids and antioxidants, supports digestion, liver function, and overall vitality; its deep umami flavor pairs well with evening consumption or alongside meals.

Explore our curated list of the best Japanese drinking vinegars, their potential health benefits, and tips on how to enjoy them!

1. Tokiwa Ume Flavored Japanese Drinking Vinegar Premix 125ml 

Plum-flavored drinking vinegar comes in a convenient single-serve carton, making it easy to enjoy anytime, even on the go. Made with premium Nanko ume plums, apple cider vinegar, and honey, it has a naturally sweet and tart flavor. 

Japanese Vinegar Benefits:

• Rich in citric acid and acetic acid, providing a refreshing drink that may support daily well-being.

• Contains oligosaccharides that nourish good intestinal bacteria

• Provides a refreshing, natural boost and may support skin health and beauty

How to Enjoy: It’s premixed, so you can drink it as is.

2. Tokiwa Japanese Drinking Vinegar Yuzu & Ginger Flavor 200ml

Yuzu and ginger combine for a bright, citrusy flavor with a gentle warming kick. Made from premium Japanese ingredients, including domestic sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and the renowned “stork ginger” from Tajima, it has both a soothing aroma and a subtle spicy kick.

Health Benefits of Drinking Vinegar:

• Yuzu’s aromatic components help to provide a calm and serene mood

• Ginger promotes a comforting feeling of warmth, and supports daily well-being

• Contains beauty-boosting vitamin C and beneficial antioxidants 

Recipe: Mix 1 part vinegar with about 5 parts water, hot water, carbonated water, milk, or soy milk. You can also drizzle it over yogurt, ice cream, or shaved ice as a tangy, refreshing syrup.

3. Tokiwa Japanese Drinking Vinegar Pink Grapefruit Flavor 200ml

Pink grapefruit and Japanese vinegar blend together for a refreshing, slightly tangy flavor. Made with grapefruit juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and domestic sugar, it offers a crisp and invigorating taste. 

Japanese Vinegar Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that people love for their beautifying benefits

• Acetic acid and grapefruit’s natural enzymes help you feel refreshed every day

• Refreshing citrus aroma gives a daily boost of energy

How to Enjoy: Mix 1 part vinegar with 5 parts water, sparkling water, milk, or soy milk. You can also pour it directly over yogurt, ice cream, or shaved ice for a tangy-sweet dessert topping.

4. Marushige Migaki Strawberry Premium Drinking Vinegar 500ml 

Plump, juicy Migaki strawberries from Miyagi Prefecture are blended with strawberry vinegar, rice malt, strawberry juice, and rare sugar to create a naturally sweet and fruity Japanese drinking vinegar. 

Japanese Drinking Vinegar Benefits:

• May support digestion with natural vinegar and rice malt

• Rich in antioxidants from real strawberries to promote healthy skin

• Free from artificial additives for a pure, natural wellness drink

Recipe: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 2–5 parts water or carbonated water for a refreshing beverage. It can also be used as a cocktail base or poured over yogurt and ice cream for a fruity twist. 

5. Marushige Shine Muscat Premium Drinking Vinegar 500ml 

Shine Muscat grapes are blended with traditionally brewed rice vinegar and grape vinegar from Kagoshima, naturally sweetened with concentrated muscat juice and raw sugar for a fruity, refreshing flavor. 

Japanese Vinegar Drink Benefits:

• May help promote healthy digestion and gut health with natural vinegar and rice malt

• Rich in antioxidants from Shine Muscat grapes for radiant skin

• Free from artificial additives, providing a pure, natural beverage

How to Enjoy: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 3–7 parts water or carbonated water for a refreshing drink. It can also be used as a cocktail base or poured over yogurt and ice cream for a fruity topping. 

6. Mizkan Grape & Berry Black Vinegar Drink 1000ml 

Apple, grape, and three berry juices are blended with black rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey to create a fruity and tangy Japanese drinking vinegar. With 60% of the mixture consisting of black vinegar, it offers a rich, flavorful, and healthy beverage. 

Benefits of Drinking Fruit Vinegar:

• Helps maintain a healthy digestive system and gut health with black rice vinegar

• Rich in antioxidants from grapes and berries, it may promote radiant skin

• Free from artificial additives for a natural wellness boost

How to Enjoy: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 6 parts water for a refreshing drink. It can also be mixed with milk or soy milk, used as a cocktail base, or poured over yogurt and desserts for a fruity, tangy twist.

7. Marukan Pure Japanese Fuji Apple Cider Vinegar 360ml 

Made from 100% Fuji apple juice sourced from Aomori Prefecture, Japan, Marukan Pure Japanese Fuji Apple Cider Vinegar delivers a naturally sweet, refreshing apple flavor with gentle acidity. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits:

• Helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria with natural apple cider vinegar

• Rich in antioxidants from Fuji apples for healthy, radiant skin

• Free from artificial additives for a clean, natural beverage

Recipe: Use in both cooking and drinking by diluting 1–2 tablespoons in water, tea, juice, or smoothies. Or use it to add a tangy flavor to salad dressings, marinades, pickles, and sauces for fish, shellfish, and meat with a distinctive flavor profile.

8. Fukuyamasu Kurozu Artisan 2 Years Aged Japanese Black Rice Vinegar 500ml 

Aged for over 2 years using traditional open-air clay pots, Fukuyamasu Kurozu is made from 100% Japanese brown rice with no additives or preservatives. It has a mellow, flavorful black rice vinegar rich in amino acids, perfect for both cooking and drinking.

Black Vinegar Benefits:

• May keep your digestion on track with natural amino acids

• Helps balance meals high in oil or salt

• Free from additives and preservatives for a pure, natural beverage

How to Enjoy: Use in cooking and drinking by diluting 1–2 tablespoons in water, tea, juice, or soda water. Or use it to add a rich, tangy flavor to dipping sauces or marinades with gyoza dumplings, grilled fish, or any other dish with a lot of oil or salt.

Find Your Favorite Flavor to Start Your Routine

Japanese drinking vinegar is a refreshing and flavorful way to support general wellness. Packed with natural acids and antioxidants, it may help improve digestion, nourish the gut, and support holistic health, including skin health, all without artificial additives. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to Japanese drinking vinegar.

Try these Japanese drinking vinegars today and discover the one that best fits your wellness routine!